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LVG happy to rely on kids, but cools Rashford > Ronaldo talk

Date published: Friday 15th April 2016 12:23

Louis van Gaal insists he is happy to see young talent given a chance at Manchester United, but says you “cannot compare apples with pears” when asked if Marcus Rashford is as good as Cristiano Ronaldo.

The United striker, 18, enhanced his growing reputation on Wednesday night with his best goal yet for the club as Van Gaal’s side won at West Ham to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Rashford has grown favourable comparisons with legendary United forward Ronaldo, but Van Gaal is keen to play down the talk.

“You can compare apples with pears so I don’t agree with what you want to suggest – we have to wait and see,” Van Gaal told a press conference on Friday to preview Saturday’s match with Aston Villa.

“It is fantastic what Marcus has done so far, but you cannot compare him with Ronaldo, who also played in a different position.

“He was not a striker when he was at Manchester United, I believe.”

It’s not just Rashford who has broken through this season, with the likes of Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Timothy Fosu-Mensah also making an impact this term.

And Van Gaal insists he is happy to give the best of their young talent its chance.

“When you think you need a not too big squad, you leave the chance open for youngsters,” he added.

“Manchester United believe in youngsters and Louis Van Gaal believes in youngsters.

“This was also one of the arguments as to why they have selected me, so it is not new for me that it is happening, but I’m very happy that we have the ability to pick up youngsters out of the academy.”